I'm getting a procedure done with Dr. Feller in a few days, I'm scared. Never had one done before. Don't really know what to expect, other than I'll look silly for about 6 months and after that, hopefully, better.

Does anyone have any advice as to what to do for the next few months? What's going to happen? Does it hurt much? What did ya do afterwards, get a buzz cut? Wear a hat? Any info would be appreciated.

YoungGuy,

I hope you know at least somewhat what you are getting yourself into. The procedure is basically painless though it will take sometime to heal. Pain typically is minimal, but there will be some pain the first few days especially. To prepare, consider doing scalp exercises. JoTronic posts a great video on how to do these on the Hasson and Wong website. Regarding a buzz cut, it's up to you...I did it because I wanted my hair to be even. I also wore a light fitted hat when I went out. At day 10 after I removed the staples myself, I wore a tighter fitting hat.

For more information on what a procedure looks like, I post a pretty detailed account on my third HT posted at the below link. Hopefully that will help you.

Falc

Oh, I've been doing the research for years. I've seen the pictures, I've read what folks have been saying, I know what to expect. But... I don't *know*, ya know? It sounds silly, but I guess it's the difference between watching skiing on tv and getting out on the mountain...

YoungGuy,

True that. It's one thing to hear about something and another to go through it. You'll be fine...just try to relax. Do scalp exercises and try not to get stressed over it

Falc

After 2 Ht's and a few years here, my advice is this-------- Ask for EXTRA Valium!!!!!!!

Seriously, it will really relax you and put you in a nice dreamy place while the team is prepping you for strip removal.

Trust me, it really helps calm the butterflies!!!!!!

Anyway, just take nice, slow deep breaths and remember that you have chosen a really good Doc, so you will be fine!!!!!!

Good Luck!!!!!!

Speaking from personal experience - you are in great hands with a great team.

Here are some general tips from other posters

Before Tips

1. I advise staying local to the HT clinic.

2. Get to the clinic early in order to not be rushed as this will allow you ample time to go through everything with the Dr.

3. Have a list of questions for the Dr that you want answering.

4. Take 2 loose hats with you.

5. Take a travel pillow, very handy. Especially on the journey home.

6. Get to bed early the night before. Aided sleep is advisable.

7. Get a massage the day before. Loads of places down in China Town(NYC)

8. Wear a buttoned up shirt for the day of surgery. Easy to get on and off.

9. Avoid - Alcohol, vitamins, minoxodil, MSM 7 days pre op. Can thin the blood.

10. Wash hair the morning of the surgery and wear lots of deodorant. Its a long sweaty day you don't want to be stinking out the place

11. Make sure you have made your story clear to various people that you are away for the next 2/3 weeks

After Tips

1. Remove all mirrors from your house, car, office etc Seriously!

2. Sleep upright /45degree angle to aid swelling

3. Apply huge amounts of Aloe Vera to both donor and recipient area 5 days after. (2 x a day minimum)

4. Get on MSM (makes hair grow faster)

5. Drink lots of water

6. Bend at the knees for first 3/4 days

7. First 3/4 days just put shampoo in a cup and pour it over the recipient and donor area. Then build up to a shower but shield your recipient with your hand and dab on shampoo.

8. Have a couple of beers and soak your head in a hot bath prior to Staple removal

9. Rest as much as possible

10. No physical activity for 10 days then build it up.


All the best
Spex

Youngguy,

Take note of what Spex said it really helps.

I had mine done with the good doctor over six weeks ago and to be honest its still a little tender around parts of the scare area. The transplanted area is still num but getting better, and I have discarded the hat and gone bold ….. it was driving me crazy.

What can I say but you will be in great hands, the team really looks after you and after the doctor gives you some happy pills you shouldn’t feel the needles or the crunching round your head to much unless you’re a big girl like me !!!!!! A sound you'll never forget but I have to say painless ….. Apart from the needles …… Only winding you up !!!!


Good luck it'll be well worth it …

HairBrain

Young guy,

I agree with all and will add to spex's list about the massage before. This is a great idea and I just had a HT done 6 days ago and prior to going in I had a kink in my neck. This kink turned out to be the worst part of my procedure and it was not the doc's doing. I use a chiropractor ocassionally and really wish I had gotten that worked out with a massage on top of that. You will be still in the chair for extended time, do what you can to stretch or lossing your back/neck prior.

Hairbrain is right about the crunching sound during incisions, bring in your ipod with small earbuds and crank it up during this part !!!

Good luck my friend, you will be glad you took this step in your life.

Wow...Kudos to you Spex....thorough list...great post! Youngguy, Listen to the man...he knows what he is talking about .

Falc

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate the advice and the support.

I do have two questions, however:
- Where does one buy Aloe Vera? Any drugstore, or do I need to find a specialty place?
- What's MSM (that I should be on to make it grow faster) and where does one get that?

I'll read the replies tomorrow as I'm going to bed. 9 hours to go!

You should be able to go to any pharmacy and get aloe vera but try to get without alcohol as an ingredient if possible.

MSM--Check out hair loss blogs at www.regrowhair.com and it should give a good explanation.

Good luck tomorrow! Everything will go well.